Alex Goldklang

The Marriott Theatre presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, running now through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski. Click below to watch a behind-the-scenes video about the production!

Opening this past Wednesday, the latest new work at the Marriott Theatre is "Hero," conceived and written by Aaron Thielen (the theater's Lead Artistic Director) and based somewhat on his childhood in Milwaukee and the neighborhood he grew up in. The show has music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, an actor, musical director, guitarist and keyboardist about town, who has written seven previous musicals and makes quite a mark with this one. The pair has been working on and workshopping the show since early 2009, and the work has paid off. It's a funny, engaging, likeable, tuneful and moving mid-sized musical.

The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler. The show previewed June 20 and opened June 27 at 8 p.m., running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski. View opening night photos below!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The new musicals 'Eastland' and 'Hero,' new and newish shows based on hats, songbooks, TV shows and recordings, 'Floyd Collins' and Ashley Brown, and more!

The Marriott Theatre presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, opening June 27 at 8 p.m. and running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below.

The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, previewing tonight, June 20, opening June 27 at 8 p.m. and running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production shots below!

The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, previewing tonight, June 20, opening June 27 at 8 p.m. and running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Three shows make a PR appearance at Sidetrack, ATC plans a 'Hair' re-do, 'Camelot,' 'Floyd Collins,' three new mainstage musicals, a reading, a benefit and more!

The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, previewing June 20, opening June 27 at 8 p.m. and running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company hosts an evening of conversation about the world of storytelling tonight, April 16 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre. Featured for the event are two expert storytellers, Tony Award-winning ensemble member Frank Galati and Pulitzer Prize-finalist E.L. Doctorow, moderated by Steppenwolf Artistic Director Martha Lavey.

Tony Award-winning ensemble member Frank Galati returns to the helm at Steppenwolf Theatre Company with his stage adaptation of The March, Pulitzer Prize-finalist E.L. Doctorow's novel about General William Tecumseh Sherman's Civil War march through Georgia. This marks Galati's Second Stage production of a Doctorow novel, following the highly-acclaimed musical Ragtime (1998). The much-anticipated production features a cast of 26 playing a mix of fictional and historical characters. The March begins previews April 5 (Opening Night is April 15; Press Performances are April 14 at 3pm and April 17 at 7:30pm) and runs through June 10, 2012 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St). Tickets ($20 - $78) are on sale now (prices are subject to change). Check out the production photos below!

Tony Award-winning ensemble member Frank Galati returns to the helm at Steppenwolf Theatre Company with his stage adaptation of The March, Pulitzer Prize-finalist E.L. Doctorow's novel about General William Tecumseh Sherman's Civil War march through Georgia.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 2011/12 season with The March, based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow, adapted and directed by ensemble member Frank Galati, playing April 5 - June 10, 2012 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company hosts an evening of conversation about the world of storytelling on Monday, April 16 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre. Featured for the event are two expert storytellers, Tony Award-winning ensemble member Frank Galati and Pulitzer Prize-finalist E.L. Doctorow, moderated by Steppenwolf Artistic Director Martha Lavey.

TOUCHING DOWN: NORTHWESTERN SONGWRITERS IN CONCERT will come to the End Stage Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street) for one night only on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 7:30PM. The concert will feature original songs by eight undergraduate Northwestern University seniors.

TOUCHING DOWN: NORTHWESTERN SONGWRITERS IN CONCERT will come to the End Stage Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street) for one night only on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 7:30PM. The concert will feature original songs by eight undergraduate Northwestern University seniors.

Tony Award-winning ensemble member Frank Galati returns to the helm at Steppenwolf Theatre Company with his stage adaptation of The March, Pulitzer Prize-finalist E.L. Doctorow's novel about General William Tecumseh Sherman's Civil War march through Georgia.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 2011/12 season with The March, based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow, adapted and directed by ensemble member Frank Galati, playing April 5 - June 10, 2012 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.